Ebenezer Adurokiya and Micheal Chukwuebuka Reporting From Osogbo
OSOGBO — The International Press Centre (IPC) has unveiled an artificial intelligence-assisted reporting system designed to bolster the safety of journalists covering tomorrow’s Osun State governorship election.
The platform, named WAFLO, is a WhatsApp-enabled Live Election Incident Reporting System that allows media professionals to instantly document threats, assaults, harassment, and other press freedom violations through a secure interface. The pilot initiative, which goes live on August 15, marks a significant technological leap in election safety monitoring, enabling real-time reporting and timely response to emerging dangers.
Speaking at the unveiling, IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, described the deployment as a critical step towards building a more responsive protection framework for journalists on election duty.
“The deployment of WAFLO during the Osun governorship election is a pilot initiative aimed at strengthening the prompt identification, documentation and response to incidents affecting journalists and other media professionals on election duty,” he said. “Our objective is to ensure that no attack or infringement against journalists goes unnoticed or unreported.”
Mr Arogundade explained that the platform transforms raw incident reports into actionable intelligence, allowing stakeholders to respond swiftly while generating evidence that can support accountability and improved protection mechanisms. He added that WAFLO would be enhanced and scaled up for nationwide deployment during the 2027 General Elections, building on lessons learnt from the Osun pilot.
The initiative falls under Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase Two (EU-SDGN II) programme, implemented by IPC in partnership with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO). It complements ongoing efforts to strengthen media professionalism, election reporting, fact-checking, and journalists’ safety, working alongside key stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Mr Arogundade stressed that the conditions under which journalists operate during elections remain a vital indicator of democratic accountability and respect for fundamental freedoms.
“The ability of journalists to report freely and safely is fundamental to credible elections,” he stated. “WAFLO provides a practical mechanism for real-time reporting and coordinated response that reinforces ongoing efforts to protect journalists and strengthen democratic processes.”
Journalists covering the election can access the platform through the SafeMedia WhatsApp service by visiting https://dub.sh/safemedia or sending the word “SAFEMEDIA” via WhatsApp to 0805 877 8053. After sending the keyword, users are advised to wait a few seconds for the automated prompts before submitting their reports.
The WAFLO system complements existing safety support services available through the EU-SDGN II Election Observation Hub, including a dedicated safety desk managed by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer (+234 707 854 3482), and Bukola Obaujo, Safety Monitoring Officer (+234 814 633 3108).
IPC has also urged journalists to adhere to professional safety protocols by ensuring they are properly accredited and carrying valid identification cards, press tags, and other relevant credentials throughout the election. The organisation further called on security agencies, political actors, election officials, and other stakeholders to respect journalists’ constitutional rights to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment, or undue interference.
The International Press Centre expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for supporting the technology-driven initiative aimed at improving the documentation and response to attacks on media professionals during elections.
For further information, contact:
Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, International Press Centre (IPC)
Email: melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org
